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Pressnomics: Don’t Try to Do It Alone

posted on March 9, 2016

Pressnomics bills itself as a conference for those that power the WordPress economy.

Unlike WordCamp, Pressnomics caters to WordPress business professionals. The hosting companies, theme shops, agencies, plugin developers, and freelancers. The people that pay their mortgages with WordPress!

Last week I attended my first Pressnomics in Tempe, AZ. If the first three were as good as this one, I’ve definitely been missing out.

My plan was to write a post with five key takeaways, but instead, I just want to share the theme of the entire event. Because it’s that important.

Don’t try to do it alone

The best part of any event is the chance to network and talk with your peers: other WordPress pros. I made a few new friends and strengthened existing relationships. There is even value in a room full of competitors.

Ignore other people’s perceived success. That’s just the tip of their iceberg.

Be a Little Selfish

Pippin Williamson said we all need to be a little selfish. We need to take better care of ourselves and start saying no to being a workaholic. Forget the old adage of “the customers come first”. If you don’t succeed you can’t help your customers succeed.

Flying home I realized it’s the same as the pre-flight safety demonstration. You need to secure your oxygen mask first before trying to assist someone else.

Build a Support System

Don’t go it alone. You need to build a support network of family, friends, partners, mentors and peers.

Don’t just share the good. When you are struggling reach out for their support. Don’t seek (or give) advice. Just listen and share your story.

My wife is my biggest supporter. She puts up with all my “projects”, centers me and talks me down when I’m feeling like an impostor.

Thanks James! This was the first year I’ve been able to attend. It was really great just to chat with so many people in the same situation like that. I fall into the trap of trying to compare myself with other people so it was a good reminder that everyone has their own types of struggles.